MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 11, 2026
The dominant global story is the escalating anti-government protests in Iran, now in their third week with a rising death toll and international tensions involving the U.S. and Israel.U.S. News
- Fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis sparks protests and investigations — A woman was killed by an ICE agent, leading to ongoing demonstrations, calls for ICE removal from Minnesota, and a federal probe, with tensions flaring in the city.
- U.S. launches large-scale retaliatory strikes on ISIS targets in Syria — Following an earlier ambush that killed U.S. personnel, additional airstrikes hit ISIS infrastructure.
- Trump administration blocks courts from seizing Venezuelan oil revenue in U.S. accounts — An executive order aims to redirect funds toward stability in Venezuela after recent U.S. actions there.
Nationwide Anti-ICE Protests: Demonstrations have erupted in cities including Minneapolis, Portland, and Detroit following fatal shootings involving ICE agents.
The National Guard has been placed on standby in Minnesota as tensions rise. 2030 Census Legal Battles: Allies of President Trump have initiated lawsuits aimed at reshaping the 2030 census. The legal challenges focus on who is counted, potentially reviving the debate over citizenship questions.
Intel's "Nationalization" Impact: Public debate continues regarding the Trump administration’s recent acquisition of a 10% stake in Intel. Officials cite the move as a necessity for "domestic manufacturing security."
- Trump officials consider military options amid spreading Iranian protests — The administration weighs intervention as unrest challenges Iran's regime, with threats of U.S. strikes.
- Trump calls for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% — Announced via Truth Social, this proposal aims to ease consumer burdens starting January 20.
- Ongoing fallout from U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Maduro — Discussions continue on oil policy, sanctions relief, and diplomatic re-engagement.
Trump's Venezuela Administration: Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, President Trump stated that the U.S. will "run" Venezuela indefinitely until a transition is deemed "safe and proper," a move that has sparked intense debate over state sovereignty.
Credit Card Interest Caps: President Trump is pushing for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates for one year.
While popular with voters, major banking institutions are reportedly balking at the proposal. China-Lesotho Strategic Partnership: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a visit to Lesotho, reaffirming a "strategic partnership" and securing Lesotho's commitment to the one-China principle.
- Nationwide protests in Iran intensify with death toll at least 116 — Demonstrations against the theocracy, sparked by economic issues, persist despite internet blackouts, crackdowns, and threats from Iran's leaders.
- Iran warns of retaliation against U.S. forces and Israel if attacked — Officials label them "legitimate targets" amid accusations that the U.S. and Israel are fueling the unrest.
- Australia wildfires burn nearly 900,000 acres in Victoria — Over 30 blazes, fueled by a heat wave, have destroyed homes and killed at least one person.
- China steps up crackdown on underground churches — Leaders of unregistered groups, including Early Rain, are detained.
Iran Protests Reach Two-Week Mark: Nationwide anti-government protests in Iran have intensified.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. and Israel of fomenting "riots," while activists report the death toll has surpassed 200. Myanmar’s Contentious Elections: The second phase of military-led general elections began today across 100 townships.
The polls are widely criticized as a "legitimization" tactic amid the country’s ongoing civil war. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Day 1,417 of the war saw heavy drone strikes on Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported that a Ukrainian missile strike left 600,000 people without power in the Belgorod border region.
- New Jersey requires school districts to limit student cell phone use — Bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy takes effect in the 2026-2027 school year.
- Ongoing discussions around campus safety and immigration enforcement — Protests in Minneapolis tie into broader debates about ICE presence near educational institutions.
Classroom Debates on Venezuela: Following the winter break, teachers across the U.S. are navigating how to incorporate the U.S. intervention in Venezuela into history and government curricula.
Strike Threats in California: After a strike in the West Contra Costa district, teachers' unions in Los Angeles and San Francisco have declared an impasse in negotiations, signaling potential widespread walkouts later this year.
Support for Immigrant Students: A new report indicates 70% of high school principals see increased fear among immigrant students due to shifting federal immigration policies.
- Global growth projected at subdued 2.7% for 2026 — UN report notes steady but below pre-pandemic levels, with U.S. at 2.0% and challenges from tariffs and geopolitics.
- U.S. job growth slows but unemployment falls to 4.4% — December data shows 50,000 jobs added, influencing Fed rate decisions.
- Trump administration explores MBS purchases to match Fed roll-off — Aims to support housing affordability amid broader fiscal moves.
Bitcoin Outlook: Bitcoin is hovering near $90,000 as strong U.S. jobs data dampened hopes for a March interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
Mortgage Rate Stabilization: Experts project that 30-year fixed-rate mortgages will stabilize between 6.0% and 6.4% throughout 2026, marking a shift away from the "wild swings" of previous years.
Prediction Markets in Spotlight: The $400,000 payout to users who bet on Maduro’s capture has triggered calls for tighter regulation of platforms like Polymarket.
- China narrows AI gap with U.S. despite constraints — Researchers highlight risk-taking startups and stock market debuts, though chipmaking limits persist.
- CES 2026 highlights AI integration everywhere — From TVs and laptops to robots and lighting, AI dominates announcements (e.g., Samsung, Asus, and Lego smart bricks).
- Emerging trends: Space-based data centers for AI — Leaders like Google, Musk, and Bezos push orbital solutions to address land/energy limits.
CES 2026 Highlights: NVIDIA stole the show at CES with "Physical AI" (Cosmos), models capable of simulating environments governed by actual physics for use in robotics.
The "Robotaxi" Race: Uber and Lucid Motors unveiled a luxury robotaxi at CES, featuring a personalized "in-cabin experience" and a roof "halo" to help riders identify their cars.
Lego Smart Bricks: Lego announced a "Smart Play" platform with sensors that respond to light and distance, launching alongside a new interactive Star Wars collection.
- NASA ends ISS Crew-11 mission early due to medical issue — A crew member is unwell, prompting an early return.
- Measles concerns resurface in the U.S. — Officials warn of potential loss of elimination status amid outbreaks.
Nutrition Policy Reset: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a "historic reset" of U.S. nutrition policy, aiming to remove processed additives and refocus on "real food" in school lunches and federal programs.
Norovirus Surge: Health officials are warning of a spike in norovirus outbreaks. The NIH is prioritizing research into "stop-gap" measures to prevent rapid spreading in communal settings.
Rural Health Funding: CMS announced $50 billion in awards to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in rural areas across all 50 states.
- Aryna Sabalenka wins Brisbane International title — Secures her second consecutive victory and 22nd overall in straight sets.
- Rishabh Pant likely ruled out of India vs. New Zealand ODI series — Due to a net injury.
College Basketball: Keyshawn Hall scored 30 points to lead Auburn in a dominant 95-73 victory over No. 15 Arkansas.
NFL Playoffs Buzz: As the regular season concludes, speculation is mounting over coaching changes, with several high-profile veterans expected to hit the market.
Global Soccer: Rumors are intensifying regarding a record-breaking mid-season transfer involving a top Premier League star to the Saudi Pro League.
